China
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The China-Laos Railway and the Price of Connectivity: Unequal Partners in a “Win-Win” Project
Despite its “win-win” branding as a flagship Belt and Road link transforming Laos from “land-locked” to “land-linked,” the China–Laos Railway has deepened asymmetric power dynamics. Thousands of Laotian families have been displaced, Laos’ 30 % ownership stake was financed by onerous Chinese loans that trap it in debt, and both…
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ACFTA at a Crossroads: Balancing Growth and Dependency in ASEAN-China Trade Relations
The strategic partnership between the United States and ASEAN has never fully recovered from the shock of the Trump administration’s 2016 turn away from multilateralism, erratic diplomacy, and rising protectionism. Years of unpredictable US policy have eroded trust, leaving ASEAN leaders doubtful about Washington’s long-term reliability. Into this vacuum steps…
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How China’s AI Development Remains Resilient Despite Escalating US Chip Export Restrictions
The US is intensifying its restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductors, exemplified by the recent ban on chips like Nvidia’s H20, marking a significant escalation in a sustained campaign to curb China’s AI and semiconductor advancements. While these export controls impede China’s technological progress, they are unlikely to halt…
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Reassessing Market Commitments: Foreign Firms Exit China Amid Mounting Political and Economic Uncertainty
Foreign direct investment (FDI) was a cornerstone of China’s rapid economic ascent over the past five decades, but recent years have seen a sharp decline. While sluggish post-COVID recovery is often cited as the primary cause, equally important are the Chinese government’s assertive domestic and foreign policies. Artificially subsidized local…
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Semiconductors, Trump’s Tariffs and the US-China Rivalry: A Conversation with Ray Wang
Jonathan Chin, SSI Editor-in-Chief, and, Andy Liao, SSI Science & Technology Lead, speaks to Ray Wang, a Washington‑based analyst focused on U.S.‑China economic and technological statecraft, with a focus on semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Ray’s insights have been featured in Foreign Policy, CSIS, The Diplomat and he is frequently quoted…
Sino-Southeast Initiative 